On 29 January 2025, a working meeting was held between representatives of the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter – the National Agency), the management of the Center for the Study of Religious and Interethnic Situation under the National Agency (hereinafter – the Research Center), and representatives of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (hereinafter – OSCE ODIHR), Ms. Delia Luisa Niță (Specialist on Freedom of Religion or Belief) and Mr. Maximilian Scheid (Junior Officer on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism).

During the meeting, the parties exchanged information on their respective mandates and current activities, and discussed new directions for further cooperation.

Representatives of OSCE ODIHR provided information on the objectives of the visit, noting that the meetings held in the Kyrgyz Republic and its regions are aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the national context in the field of freedom of religion and belief, interfaith and interethnic relations, as well as at identifying priority topics for dialogue and potential mutual programs. There was also emphasized that issues of freedom of religion and belief are considered in close connection with ensuring security and protecting human rights, including in the context of preventing radicalization and violent extremism.

During the discussion, representatives of the National Agency and the Research Center identified key points of needs, including the development of educational and methodological materials, capacity-building of specialists, provision of expert support for the analysis of situations in the religious and interethnic spheres, as well as the exchange of best international practices in the implementation of research programs in the religious and interethnic fields.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of cooperation and confirmed their mutual interest in joint activities, agreeing to maintain working contacts and consider new formats of interaction.